Joe Christopher Campos

JOE CHRISTOPHER CAMPOS Joe Christopher Campos, 79, of Las Animas, Colorado, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Born on March 19, 1946, in La Junta, Colorado, Joe, affectionately known as Chris, was the son of Cristobal and Teresa (Maldonado) Campos. A proud veteran, Joe served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 as part of the 129th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. After his military service, Joe earned his associate's degree from Otero Junior College. He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad before beginning a long and dedicated career as an accounting technician with the Veterans Administration, where he served for nearly 35 years. Following his retirement, he and his beloved wife Rosaura opened Campos Café, which they operated together for several years. Joe was a lifelong musician and multi-instrumentalist with a passion for playing the bass and string guitars. He taught guitar lessons for Otero Junior College, sharing his love of music with others and inspiring many to explore their musical talents. Over more than four decades, he played in numerous bands and cherished every moment on stage. Among his proudest musical memories were performing with Johnny Rodriguez and opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Beyond music, Joe cherished the time spent with his three grandsons, especially cheering them on at their sporting events. He also fostered a special bond with them through his love for watching WWE and UFC with them. A fan of the Rockies and the UTSA Roadrunners, Joe often found joy in attending games and creating lasting memories. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Rosaura Campos of Las Animas; daughters Cristina Krumholz (Patrick) of Fountain, CO, and Lisa Campos (Darren D'Attilio) of Boerne, TX; and grandsons James Krumholz, and Jake Krumholz and Christopher D'Attilio. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Crucita, Patsy, Chris, Betty, Susie, Johnny, Jessie, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cristobal and Teresa Campos; brothers Jose, Andy, John, and Isabel, sister Crecencia, and nephew, Joe Campos Jr. A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Joseph Matitu officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.